Tattoos and joining the Army.

I am in the process of joining the Army and I have a tattoo on my thigh. That would be visible in PT shorts. I was wondering if anyone could give me any insight on if that would disqualify me from joining or not? I know I am suppose to talk to a recruiter. But he said I need to get my medical records from an injury I had before we can meet. For some reason that is taking forever for the hospital to process.

I know the Army's tattoo policy has changed A few years ago but I'm not sure how that would affect your particular case. I suggest you ask your Recruiter. He'll have all of the latest policies & directives.

Sometimes hospitals drag their feet for some reason or another. I thought we were in the computer age where all they have to do is type in your name, push "print" & there it is. I hope they take care of you soon & get you your records.

Good luck!

Proud Dad of a US Army Airborne Ranger SFC
Retired US Army 1SG/MSG, Airborne Infantry, G-3, Instructor
Former USN - Submarines, USS Chopper (SS 342) & Navy Diver, UDT 21
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

I am in the process of joining the Army and I have a tattoo on my thigh. That would be visible in PT shorts. I was wondering if anyone could give me any insight on if that would disqualify me from joining or not? I know I am suppose to talk to a recruiter. But he said I need to get my medical records from an injury I had before we can meet. For some reason that is taking forever for the hospital to process.

**UPDATED TATTOO POLICY** - ATTENTION ALL ACTIVE DUTY (AD) APPLICANTS (INCLUDING SISTER SERVICES)! Effective 17 September 2014, all AD applicants must be in compliance with REVISED AR 670-1 (Tattoo Policy) dated 15 September 2014. Soldiers are prohibited from having tattoos or brands on the head, face (except for permanent makeup), neck (anything above the t-shirt neck line to include on/inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears), wrists, hands, or fingers. Enlisted Soldiers who have tattoos that were compliant with previous tattoo policies (grandfathered tattoos) may request commissioning or appointment. Commanders should continue to evaluate potential applicants on the “whole Soldier” concept in making appropriate recommendations. Soldiers, who have unauthorized tattoos that were not in compliance with previous policies, are not grandfathered. Grandfathering applies to Army enlisted applying for officer accession or appointment. Sister Service applicants are not eligible for grandfathering.